Where do the Warriors go from here? A short list for the next hard journey

So when I asked Stephen Curry on Friday if this franchise has the players to win a championship soon, he didn’t need to offer any bit of massaged truth.

“I think so–I mean, we’re young and we have a great core,” Curry said a day after the Warriors’ second-round exit.

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“Obviously it takes a lot of things going right for anybody to win a championship. But I feel like we have the pieces to do it.”

Curry said this with the pride and experience of just having taken the Spurs to six games.

But as the players trickled into Warriors headquarters for their exit interviews with coach Mark Jackson and general manager Bob Myers, there was an obvious larger truth, too.

As much as it took to lift the Warriors to 47 victories and that first-round conquering of Denver, it will take more to push them into true title-contention.

Here are five central issues for the Warriors, in the order they’ll probably have to deal with them…

1. When and how will they extend Jackson’s contract past 2013-2014, currently his final guaranteed season?

After this stirring run, picking up Jackson’s option for 2014-2015 is a no-brainer for Lacob, and probably will happen in the next month or so.

But the Warriors probably should look into signing Jackson for the long-term—to assure the current core that their leader is staying around and to attract free agents who like what they saw and heard this playoff season.

2. What happens this summer with Jarrett Jack (unrestricted free agent) and Carl Landry (can choose to become an unrestricted free agent)?

So, given their budget restraints and lack of a first-round pick, how could the Warriors land a difference-maker such as Andre Iguodala or key piece such as Eric Bledsoe?

Only by offering Barnes or Klay Thompson in trade talks, and I don’t believe the Warriors will consider moving either young player this summer.

It’s more likely that the Warriors pick up moderate help here and there—the way they picked up Jack and Landry last summer.

4. Can Curry and Bogut use the off-season to make sure their recurring ankle issues are mostly gone by the time training camp starts?

For Curry, it’s not a major red flag any more—he got through the regular season and 12 playoff games without missing a long stretch.

This summer he can focus on strengthening his game—literally, to absorb the contact and help him power to the lane and draw more fouls.

For Bogut, the Warriors’ most important player in the postseason… it’s the whole deal and there will be no real answer until he shows up at camp healthy (or not) and gets through an entire season (or not).

5. How much of the Warriors’ hopes for contention depends on how good Barnes can be and how fast he can get there?

“I know it’s a lot, I guess,” Barnes, 20, said. “I can either work on my game, improve a lot, take some pressure off Steph, off Klay, those guys, not only find the shot but also create for others. If I improve I can obviously help.

“And if not, I guess, be in the exact same situation we were in this year.”

The future is bright. The key players are there. But so is the responsibility: You don’t win championships by standing still; you win them by constantly making the smartest decisions.

Actually, you win championships by having a LeBron or MJ and surrounding him with stars. But I’d be more than happy to go deep in the playoffs every year.

Italy415

The only thing i see them doing is trading Andris or Jefferson expiring contracts to bring in a veteran that the other team doesn’t want to pay. As far as the core if there is one player they might not including Lee because thats a no-brainer i would in a heartbeat i think its Klay.. But please never!!!!!! trade him for Eric Gordon!!!

Mark

Agree with your major points. The team played so well in the postseason, it’s hard to see them making a big change. A healthy Bogut and Curry, plus a year of development for Klay and Harrison…

Do you think RJ and Beans will be allowed to expire, or will they be traded? Is there anyway to use one of them to free up the cap space to re-sign

What about Landry? Will he opt-in? Could he opt-in and they trade him? (Seems almost illogical from an economics standpoint.)

Who is a free agent, not this summer but next that you think the W’s could go after? I guess the two scenarios are 1. they are looking to replace Bogut, 2. they’re not.

Under what circumstances would the W’s trade into the draft? The rookies were such a big part of the team this year, surely the front office must want another crack at the draft… but then, they might also think that they either can skip the big investment in draft research this year.

Davidson

I highly doubt that they’ll be able to move Beans or RJ. They’ve both got lofty contracts (making them hard to deal) and it’s a no brainer for them to opt in for their final year and get paid.

Dubs will most likely see how Bogut plays out in his final year of his contract and from there, it will either be bring him back or look for another centerpiece.

The 2013-14 season will be a big question mark because of all the budget restraints. Not sure if Landry will opt out for greener pastures. I would think BRush would stick around because he’s coming off of an injury. Jack, while I had a love/hate relationship with him during the post season run, he was a major cog in making it into the post season and would hate to see him go.

As far as Steph’s thoughts on having all the pieces in place to win a championship, I think the key (aside from the obvious ‘staying healthy’) is if Bogut can get his offensive game back. The team has all a bunch of perimeter players and is in need of big bodies that can beat up and bang with the likes of Randolph, Millsap, Jefferson, the Gasols, Cousins, Aldridge, etc. A low post presence always comes in handy to alleviate those tired legs.

http://briquesduneige.blogspot.com walkerp

Great overview and analysis. You are doing the Lord’s work closing out the season with a ton of great material. Overall, I’m loving what I’m hearing from every level of the organization. I was optimistic about Lacob and the Ws overall plan, but this season exceeded my expectations. It sounds like everybody is on board to keep pushing forward in the same positive direction. The only tough question is who gets sacrificed. I guess it’s the sign of a good team when nobody wants to be that person.

a42

Think your last line in #3 is spot on Tim. I’m guessing Lacob/Myers will gamble on a healthy Bogut and continued development from the youngsters for next year. Then at the trade deadline see if they can swing the 2 big expiring contracts for someone. If nothing is there then summer 2014 they have money to add another piece. It’s a passive approach, but might end up being reality based on the lack of financial flexibility until Biedrins/Jefferson are off the books. I’m guessing next summer for the next big shakeup to try and get over the hump.

latopian

“After this stirring run, picking up Jackson’s option for 2014-2015 is a no-brainer for Lacob, and probably will happen in the next month or so.”

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Agreed. Just like the experts who called Lakers-Heat a no-brainer for the Finals, Beasley a no-brainer runner-up, Bargnani a no-brainer franchise players, the Nets a no-brainer for the Eastern Conference Finals, Melo/STAT/Billups et al to Knicks a no-brainer antidote to the Heat …

Here’s a bet: IF Lacob & co. heed the “no-brainer” opinions of the masses and the media by acting in the afterglow of “we were underdogs who were just glad to be here”, there will be NO 2nd round encores so long as Jax remains coach *regardless* of good/perfect health from Steph, Bogut, Barnes, Lee.

latopian

“After this stirring run, picking up Jackson’s option for 2014-2015 is a no-brainer for Lacob, and probably will happen in the next month or so.”

—

But if the Dubs decide to use their brains and decide feel-good enthusiasm, Biblical bromides or player’s-coaches *don’t* actually win championships OR max the (underrated) talent onhand, who/whom? Among others, David Fizdale, ex-Dubs asst now Spoelstra’s right-hand man (it isn’t Rothstein, Askins, McAdoo). Knows his X/Os; relates to and develops players. Can take Dubs AS-IS to next level.

sffranciscan

For the first time in decades the Warriors are now an NBA destination. Someone who wants to win and play in front of these fans will come here, and the Warriors only need two players as long as their core talent can stay healthy.

But please–no Jarrett Jack. Get a point guard who can actually guard someone in crunch time. The Nuggets and Spurs blew by Jack like he was standing still, game after game.

http://www.warriors.com Klank Thompson

Klank got into the wrong sport, because only in baseball is one good game out of every six is acceptable. Get rid of him.

pietro skiano

Trade lee, let jack walk…..I’m just saying.

That Man

It’s just money. If Lacob is serious about building a championship squad, he needs to bring back both Landry and Jack, pay the luxury tax for one season, and wait til Jefferson, Beads, Bogut and their $32 million come off the books. Fulfill your promise Lacob.

WTF

8

Sure they’re going to fire Jax after this playoff run for some assistant with strong x/Os who isn’t better than Mike Malone.

In the NBA if you don’t have one of the top 3 players and a good second and good role players on your team you will not win a title no matter who the coach is.

Rock

Agree with all your points except your conclusion that Jack is more important to keep than Landry.

With Rush coming back, and the easier ability to obtain a defensive guard, our need to keep up the rebounding and paint presence is the more important factor by keeping Landry

Niner

For years iggy was rumored to be coming here. He looked impressive in the playoffs and seems somehow destined to be that veteran force that puts them over the hump. He’s a free agent this year isn’t he?

KezarFan

Finally know why MJ adores Jack. Saw a minute or two of a ’95 Pacers-Knicks playoff game on NBA TV. MJ was at PG for Indiana.

I swear – it was like Jarrett had been sent through a time machine to MSG for that game, 18 yrs ago.

Best thing about our front office is they see several steps beyond us mortals. They know we need some bulk – a post-up scorer to take pressure off of the perimeter scorers and punish penetrators.

(Wouldn’t it have been worth a couple flagrant 2′s – evsn an ejection – to get Ty Lawson and Tony Parker to think twice about driving to the rim? Without an alternative to Bogut, they couldn’t take the risk.)

We have no draft picks, but it’s a thin draft and we get Rush back – equivalent to a #1 pick. I’d trade Klay and dump Biedrins or Jefferson’s contract for future pick(s), then sign J. Collins as a backup 5.

Otis

We need Landry.

marko

I differ with you on the likelihood of Jack staying, Landry leaving.

Jack elevated his brand more than anybody but Nate this season. Dubs have Bird Rights, but I really think there will be some ridiculous cap-destroying money waved at JJ. And don’t forget the big incentive: maybe Utah or Milwaukee will offer him the start. Or even – at the edge of possibility – Mavericks or Lakers. And, although Jarrett is a mercurial guy, he does want to build the legacy he may feel he’s been denied in his career.

I evaluate Carl as being more valuable to the Ws than to most other clubs (and those who need him are in worse position than GSW). A hard-working, under-size 4 who has travelled the teams along the outside of the NBA, he got good marks for this season, but won’t fill seats the way JJ might. I also think that – from his point of view – getting a 3-4 year contract with a coming team would be worth some dollars in any year, and that playing for Mark Jackson is meaningful for this religious Midwestern kid.

Finally, think about the elevation of Curry and Barnes, assume Klay makes progress, and Rush returning. Backcourt needs next year will be a little different; JJ was an offensive 6th man, and I believe the Dubs will look for the defensive backup PG he isn’t going to be. Baze won’t be ready for the minutes, and maybe will never be a primary ball-handler. Guys who will hit the market with this skillset: Jeff Teague, Patty Mills, maybe Prigioni. Jodie Meeks, if the Lakers cut him loose. If Russ Smith were coming out for this year’s draft, he’d be a for-sure target

One thing for certain – the Warriors won’t be looking for a “home-run” signing this offseason.

NotSoOldBlue

I’d swap Jack for a bit more of a pass-first back up point guard. Someone I know fantasized that Jason Kidd might make a good back up for a year. Could you do a sign and trade, given we have Jack’s Bird rights? And can’t you see Jack pounding the ball at the Garden as the clock winds down? (I feel bad for him just imagining the press reaction.)

I suspect you don’t see much activity beyond that this summer, but the trade deadline next year could be interesting. We have some big contracts to dump. Either way, we will have to keep from committing to anything, free those up and we’re in the game for a BIG free agent signing next year.

LaBron? Hey you can always dream. Who else is available next year? Who we go after will depend, to a large extent I’d bet, on how Bogut (is he a FA next year too?) looks and Ezeli develops. If they’re both solid, then you can look elsewhere. If not, post player is the first priority.

gizzm

don’t want to pay Jack 20 mill for 3 years, he’s not going to suddenly get better on defense and his offensive ego is meglomanical.
Cannot believe we have to pay RJ and beans 20 mill for another season, what a waste, but if someone offered something great in return for klay/beans/rj jump on it.

WTF

19 & 20

You want a pass first PG? Makes the team much easier to defend.
If JJ wasn’t there this season and instead they have Jason Kidd, we aren’t having this discussion because GSW would be in the lottery again. Jason Kidd has not scored a point since the NFL draft.

Don’t wish for something, you just might get it.

http://eyemsick.blogspot.com/ Bigmouth

Don’t forget, BRush is coming back. He’ll fill the role a guy like Iggy would.

Wilson

Trading Biedrins or Jefferson would only occur near the end of next season, when teams are out of the playoffs and want to position themselves as a major player for free agents the following year by giving up a good player for cap room. But generally I’m against doing that, because without those trades the Warriors will be in perfect shape to acquire a couple of great pieces after the 2014 season. Can you imagine – being able to acquire a couple of really good players on top of what we already have?

The only exception would be if a team offered us a player that we really really want – someone as good as we could hope to get in free agency – in exchange for Biedrins and/or Jefferson. Otherwise, no deal.